Avalanche danger will be slowly increasing over the next 24hrs with 20cm of forecast snow and moderate winds. If forecasted snowfall amounts do not arrive, we will likely see the danger remain at Moderate in Alpine.
Confidence
Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Sunday
Weather Forecast
10cm of snow is forecast to fall overnight and an additional 5-10cm throughout the day on Sunday. This new snow is forecast to fall under a moderate westerly wind and cooler temperatures so we are going to see avalanche danger begin to increase in Alpine areas. We are expecting new slabs to build throughout the day.
Avalanche Summary
No new natural avalanche activity was observed.
Snowpack Summary
30-50cm of snow is overlying the November 12th Melt freeze crust which is being found up to 2500m on all aspects. So far, field tests are showing that overlying snow is bonding to this crust fairly well. This may change as more load is applied to the crust. In alpine area in immediate lees, pockets of pencil hard windslab are being encountered up to 20cm thick. These slabs do not extend far downslope, but they are certainly in the realm of being triggerred by a skier.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.